This vegan strawberries and cream recipe is a dairy-free take on the traditional British summer dessert, which uses whipped coconut cream instead of dairy cream! One for the whole family.
If you're not British, allow me to introduce you to one of our food traditions: strawberries and cream.
The snack of choice at the Wimbledon tennis tournament each year, strawberries and cream has become a British staple over time. I'd go so far as to say that it's now one of our most-loved sweet treats.
A simple recipe that's utterly delicious, it's the perfect summer dessert. And the best part? It needs just a few ingredients: ripe strawberries and whipped cream.
That said, I have played with the original recipe here because it isn't usually dairy-free! For a vegan version of this easy strawberry dessert, I've just omitted the dairy cream and replaced it with whipped coconut cream.
Yes, it does have a slightly different taste to dairy - you can't avoid that if you're using coconut. But in my opinion it still tastes delicious!
Using whipped coconut cream has the added benefit of being a little lighter than dairy cream too, so the taste isn't quite as rich.
What is the tradition of strawberries and cream?
Supposedly, strawberries and cream goes back to the 1500s when Cardinal Wolsey served it to King Henry VIII as a banqueting dessert made from simple ingredients.
It was offered as a snack at the first ever Wimbledon tennis tournament in 1877, and is still served to tennis fans to this day!
Ingredients
Whipped coconut cream - To make this easy recipe, use a really good quality can of full-fat coconut milk. You want a really smooth, creamy milk that will separate into cream and water when refrigerated. I really like Whole Foods 365 or Aroy D brands.
Strawberries - To get the most out of this delicious dessert use the freshest berries you can find (ideally in strawberry season). Small, juicy strawberries from local farms have the best natural flavor. If you can pick your own, even better!
How to make strawberries and cream
1. Follow detailed instructions to make coconut whipped cream.
2. Slice strawberries in half. Divide pieces of strawberry between four bowls.
3. Spoon coconut cream on top, and add a bit of sugar or maple syrup (I like coconut sugar or brown sugar) if desired.
4. Optionally sprinkle over fresh mint leaves for added flavour and colour.
See my step-by-step for how to make vegan strawberries and cream.
Extra tips for best results
Enhance the flavour - Sprinkle over a little sugar if the taste of your strawberries and cream isn't as strong as you'd like.
Don't scrimp on coconut milk - For the vegan whipped cream, it's important to buy the best coconut milk you can get from grocery stores. Some brands have a strange lumpy texture or a strong coconut flavor - you want one that is creamy and thick so it will whip easily!
Storage
Coconut whipped cream can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
I recommend preparing the strawberries only when you're ready to eat them as chopped strawberries taste better fresh.
FAQs
No, not exactly. If you are at all sensitive to the taste of coconut milk, you will notice some difference in taste between this and dairy heavy cream. However, coconut whipped cream is the most similar substitute to dairy cream in terms of texture.
You definitely can, it just won't be traditional strawberries and cream anymore. But most fresh berries and other fresh fruit taste really good with whipped coconut cream, so go ahead!
I'm afraid not. You have to use full fat coconut milk for the vegan whipped cream as it has a higher fat content. Other dairy-free milks don't whip properly.
More vegan desserts for summer
Best Vegan Strawberries and Cream
Ingredients
- 1 serving coconut whipped cream
- 1 lb fresh strawberries
Optional
- 1 tablespoon sugar/sweetener of choice (for sweetness)
- Fresh mint leaves (to decorate)
Instructions
- Follow instructions to make coconut whipped cream.
- Slice strawberries in half and divide between four bowls.
- Spoon coconut cream on top, and add a little sugar/sweetener for sweetness if desired.
- Optionally sprinkle over fresh mint leaves for added flavour and colour.
Notes
Nutritional information per serving
If you’ve tried this dairy-free version of strawberries and cream, please leave a comment or tip for others below. I'd love to know how you’ve made it your own!
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Adriana
This is my favorite dessert! Berries and cream is the best combo.
Elizabeth
Mine too!
Claudia
I made this vegan strawberries and cream, and it was fantastic! So creamy and delicious.
Elizabeth
So glad you liked it Claudia!
Juyali
Just tried this recipe, and it's really good. Simple, tasty, and perfect for a quick dessert. Always love easy desserts like this for movie night. The perfect treat!
Elizabeth
Oh thanks so much! So glad it worked so well for you. 🙂
Elizabeth
I love strawberries and cream and this recipe did not disappoint! So yummy!
Elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth! Glad you loved it.